The Woolen Home: Bedding

Sleep is an integral part of our lives, and the bedding we choose significantly impacts the quality of our slumber. Among the myriad bedding options, wool bedding emerges as a natural, cozy choice, offering an array of benefits tailored to diverse sleep needs and preferences.

Types of Wool Bedding:

  1. Wool Mattresses: Wool mattresses, a pinnacle of comfort, offer a luxurious sleep experience. Modern wool beds feature inner springs with fabric and batting made up of wool or wool blends, providing cushioning and resilience. Wool mattresses excel in offering natural temperature regulation, moisture-wicking properties, and optimal support for a rejuvenating sleep. They are also an extremely expensive option, with queen-sized mattresses coming in at about $13,000. Read on for more affordable alternatives!
  2. Wool Mattress Toppers: Wool mattress toppers are a much more affordable choice for enhancing mattress comfort. Available in various thicknesses, these toppers add an extra layer of softness and insulation while regulating body temperature, offering a breathable surface for sleep. Prices can vary widely but a topped for a queen bed would fall somewhere around $300.
  3. Wool Comforters or Duvets: Wool-filled comforters or duvets provide exceptional insulation and regulate body temperature effectively. They are lightweight, hypoallergenic, and ideal for year-round use, ensuring a snug and comfortable sleep. Prices tend to be comparable to mattress toppers.
  4. Wool Pillows: Wool pillows offer natural resilience and support, contouring to the head and neck for a comfortable sleep. With their breathability and dust mite resistance, wool pillows provide a refreshing and restful night’s sleep for some. Wool pillows seem to be the trickiest switch for people to make. Some find the texture of the filling of some pillows to be less than desirable. This is sometimes rectified by adding more or less wool to the pillow. Before switching the whole family to wool pillows, buy one and let everyone try it for a few nights. They can be found for $100 or less. Pricey for a pillow, but it may be the last one you need to buy.
  5. Wool Blankets and Throws: Versatile and cozy, wool blankets and throws add warmth and comfort. Available in various weights and designs, they’re perfect for layering on beds or providing extra comfort on sofas. Prices range widely from about $50 for a wool throw made from shoddy or recycled wool to hundreds of dollars. Check a variety of retailers to find ones that match your preference and budget.

While wool bedding can be more expensive than alternatives, it tends to last longer and need far less cleaning. A wool duvet might get passed down through several generations before needing to be replaced. Wool blankets that appear in antique shops don’t tend to stay there long as thrifty shoppers recognize how durable and long lasting they are.

Plus, the benefits of wool bedding can justify the cost:

  1. Temperature Regulation: Wool bedding excels in regulating body temperature. It keeps sleepers warm in winter by retaining heat and ensures cool, breathable sleep during warmer months. For warmer areas, opt for thinner duvets and mattress toppers to benefit from the cooling effect. People experiencing hot flashes in the night and otherwise hot sleepers often find wool bedding helps them stay comfortable and sleep better.
  2. Moisture Control: Wool’s natural moisture-wicking ability keeps sleepers dry and comfortable. It efficiently absorbs and releases moisture, reducing humidity in bedding.
  3. Hypoallergenic Properties: Wool bedding is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew, providing a cleaner sleep environment for allergy sufferers.
  4. Durability and Sustainability: Wool bedding is durable, sustainable, and biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly choice. It withstands wear and washing, contributing to longer-lasting bedding options.
  5. Comfort and Support: Wool bedding contours to the body, offering pressure relief and supporting a restful night’s sleep.

As people seek out alternatives to man-made fibers, they often overlook their bedding. In some homes, duvet and pillow filling is made up of plastic fibers, just waiting to go to the landfill. The world of wool bedding presents a diverse array of options. From mattresses to comforters, pillows, and throws, wool bedding stands as a natural, sustainable, and supportive choice for an optimal night’s sleep. Embracing wool bedding means embracing ultimate comfort, support, and a healthier sleep experience.